Sturt, Charles (1795–1869), a British explorer, often referred to as the β€œfather of Australian exploration.” He was the first to penetrate deep into the interior of Australia and to demonstrate the possibilities for settlement. Sturt was born in India. He was sent to Australia in 1827 while a captain in the British army. During 1828–45, he led three hazardous expeditions inland. He established the nature of the principal drainage basin of Australia, the Murrumbidgee-Murray-Darling system. His final expedition ended when his sight was impaired by exposure and illness. In 1853 Sturt returned to Great Britain.